Melbourne Victory successfully defended their A-League Women’s title on Sunday, defeating Sydney FC 2-1 at Jubilee Oval in Sydney.

Amy Jackson and Catherine Zimmerman scored to give Melbourne a two-goal lead in a rematch of last year’s final, before Courtnee Vine pulled one back for Sydney, setting up a tense finish.

After a scoreless first half, Jackson put Victory ahead four minutes into the second with a close range header off a looping center from Kyra Cooney-Cross.

Zimmerman doubled her side’s advantage in the 64th minute when she slammed her shot through the legs of Sydney goalkeeper Jada Whyman after Melina Ayres’ initial effort was blocked.

Two minutes later, though, Courtnee Vine halved the deficit with a close-range finish, the winger reacting quickest when Casey Dumont had parried Charlize Rule’s header at a corner.

Melbourne saw a third goal ruled out after Whyman punched the ball into her own net late in the game, but it mattered little as the champions retained the trophy.